The survival of 100,000 Palestinians in Egypt without refugee status
After the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, more than 100,000 Palestinians managed to cross into Egypt from the Gaza Strip, despite the refusal of the Egyptian government to officially accept them as refugees. Many Palestinians, such as Khaled Shabir, have faced enormous difficulties in securing their passage. Shabir had to resort to a crowdfunding campaign to raise $5,000 to escape the terrible conditions in Gaza and seek medical help in Cairo.
Difficulties at entry
Most Palestinians pay for their departure through Hala Consulting and Tourism, which costs between $2,500 and $5,000 per person, far exceeding what most Palestinians can afford. Once in Egypt, these people face another obstacle, since they are not recognized as refugees. Thus, they are not eligible to receive most of the international assistance.
How to survive the economic crisis in Egypt
Palestinians in Egypt are facing serious difficulties due to the ongoing economic crisis in the country. Hyperinflation has made basic necessities such as rent and food especially unaffordable. Without official residence documents, they cannot access education, healthcare or employment. Because of this difficult situation, many depend on local charities and the goodwill of others.
Limited help and support
The assistance provided to the newly arrived Palestinians was extremely insufficient. Only a few international organizations, such as the World Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Save the Children and UNICEF, managed to provide minimal assistance. Many, like Nagam, who studies commerce, had to sell personal items just to survive.
The problem of recognizing refugee status
The Egyptian Government treats the Palestinians not as refugees, but as “guests” or “brothers and sisters” and actively opposes the opening of an UNRWA office in Cairo. However, international experts and lawyers argue that Egypt is obliged to accept and support these people in accordance with international law.
Medical evacuation
Despite the fact that Egypt has assisted in the treatment of approximately 5,500 injured Palestinians, the process remains painful. Patients and their families, often unable to leave the hospital, feel trapped if they do not agree to return to Gaza. Egyptian volunteers and the efforts of local residents helped, but faced significant bureaucratic obstacles.
Public and charitable initiatives
In the absence of official assistance, local community groups such as In the Name of the People and small initiatives by individuals such as Abdullah Abu al-Aoun provide important support. They include basic necessities such as food, cash assistance for rental housing and employment. However, as the needs of displaced Palestinians grow, the limitations of these small-scale efforts become increasingly apparent.
The uncertainty of the future
Due to the ongoing war in Gaza and little hope of repatriation or international assistance, many Palestinians expect to stay in Egypt for a long time in constant difficulties. The sustainability of on-site support and temporary assistance remains in question as needs become more urgent.
Conclusion
The crisis with displaced Palestinians in Egypt highlights the urgent need for international intervention and proper recognition of their refugee status. It is only through coordinated global efforts that the problem of these people can be adequately addressed, providing them with the livelihoods and support they need to survive and rebuild their lives.
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